Swallowing the last morsel of her breakfast, Kurumu placed her chopsticks across her plate, clapped her hands together and bowed her head slightly.
"Thank you for the meal."
Kokoa grunted, continuing with her breakfast. The vampire had on that sleeveless pink shirt made of super soft fabric. It came with a matching sleep pant which had cherry red drawstrings.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it."
Moka smiled from across the table. Moka was dressed in her sheep patterned sleepwear with the blue collar and hem. The matching pant had blue drawstrings.
Kurumu sighed, leaning back on her hands. Her breasts strained inside the confines of this old, white shirt. It was the last one in her wardrobe. Not in the mood to wear panties to bed, Kurumu had donned her navy cotton shorts instead. Assuming she would one day get back on a weekly laundry rotation, she would need an eighth sleepwear option that she could wear while doing the chore at the commissary.
"I should do dishes."
"Let Kokoa do that. We need to get dressed for school."
"I do too."
"Kokoa. Consider it a chance to train your weakness."
The vampire huffed, glancing at Kurumu. She snatched up a sausage, stuffing it in her mouth.
"Fine. It's not like she's dressed properly."
Moka pushed her dishes aside, standing up. Taking the hint, Kurumu hopped up on her feet as Moka walked by her. She followed the vampire to the closet, slipping in behind her. Moka tugged her shirt up over her head, revealing she had slept without a bra. The vampire shook out the shirt before dropping it in her pink hamper.
"No bra?"
"You tease me when I wear anything beneath my pajamas."
Moka preceded to pull down her sleep pants, revealing she had also foregone panties. Kurumu tugged her white shirt off, tossing it into her black, wicker hamper. She had damaged it back in April, trying to push it through Tsukune's window. She often thought about replacing it, but always forgot about it. Her navy shorts quickly joined her shirt.
Kurumu shivered when Moka touched her shoulder. The nude vampire murmured her name, regarding her with pleading turquoise eyes. Her other hand grabbed Kurumu's upper arm, tugging her in close so that their breasts touched. It was so warm. Reflexively, Kurumu placed her hands on Moka's sides.
Kurumu licked her lips as a sugary sweet sensation filled her. Her mind tumbled over the thought that Moka was about to kiss her. The last time they had kissed was back at the Shuzen Estate. She slipped her hands to Moka's back, encouraging the vampire closer as Moka stepped in.
She immediately felt like an idiot when Moka turned her head slightly and bared his fangs. She gasped when teeth pierced through her skin at the base of her neck, hitting a nerve meant for pleasure. She whimpered, clutching tightly to Moka as her whole body started to shudder.
It only took moments. She gushed all over Moka, feeling her own thighs becoming soaked in her passion. She mewled softly as the fangs were drawn away. She rubbed her hands up and down Moka's back as she trembled in ecstasy.
Before the vampire could withdraw, she passionately kissed Moka. She moaned into Moka's mouth, moving her dizzy head. Moka held her firmly, letting Kurumu dictate the direction of the kiss. Kurumu slipped her tongue inside, pushing against Moka's. It was heavenly.
"I can hear you two."
Kokoa's words cut through the haze of passion. Kurumu broke off the kiss panting. Moka planted a kiss on top of her head as she rested her cheek on Moka's shoulder.
"Sorry. Mr. Kyuushutsu was pestering me yesterday. I need your blood to resist him."
Kyuushutsu Tokei was a second year from class eleven. He was an incubus whom shared the art elective with Moka. He openly abused his charm to win over the affections of girls, but claimed he had learned his lesson prior to coming to Yokai Academy about crossing the line. As far as Kurumu could tell, he was being honest that he had not had sex with any of his victims.
"I need a bath now."
Moka laughed softly, giving her a squeeze.
"There's no pleasing you. You were upset the last time I took your blood."
"Because that hurt. You should kiss me more."
"Are you feeling better?"
"I'm fine."
It had been around six when Kurumu had finally returned to the classroom. Moka had been the only one waiting for her, admitting that she had arrived at club late due to helping Ms. Aori and Ms. Hayate with their cleaning duties. Ginei had skipped club so there were no updates on what articles they were doing.
With reddened eyes betraying her grief, Kurumu had told Moka everything. Moka felt it was good that the teachers knew the truth. Kurumu had written a letter last night to Ms. Kiyoshi, informing her that it would be okay to break the news about mommy's death at either upcoming event. She was ready.
"Are you sure?"
Kurumu took in a deep breath, patting Moka's back.
"If we hold each other naked much longer, I'm going to make you feel better."
Moka laughed sheepishly, relinquishing her hold and stepping back. Kurumu let her hands slip away from Moka's body. She was gorgeous. Definitely not a downgrade for Tsukune.
"What lingerie would you like?"
Kurumu stepped over to regard her pile of lingerie which she had set out. She absently placed her hand on Moka's back, rubbing her warm skin.
"Should we match?"
Kurumu grabbed her sky blue boyshorts with the white cloud pattern.
"I'll wear my blue set and you can wear your blue set."
"I don't feel like wearing a thong."
"I thought you were trying to get used to wearing thongs."
"Can I wear this instead?"
Moka held her baby blue bra with the matching lace panties she had bought all the way back in April on their first trip to Mononoke.
"Sure, I guess. You realize you have enough lingerie to get you through two weeks."
"I doubt that."
"You have like a whole week's worth of thongs alone. You must have over twenty panties by now."
Kurumu stepped into her boyshorts and tugging them up into place.
"I should have washed my crotch. It's all sticky now."
Moka absently slipped into her panties as Kurumu grabbed her cornflower blue bra. Fishing her arms through the straps, Kurumu hooked the front clasps before tucking her breasts comfortably in the cups.
"Yea. You squirted all over my thighs. Should I get a towel?"
"It's just annoying. I bet we reek of sex."
Kurumu freed one of her school blouses from its hanger before slipping her arms through the sleeves. She started buttoning up as Moka decided to put on her skirt before her blouse.
"I'm done with the stupid dishes. I'm going to get dressed."
Kurumu chuckled at Kokoa's angry tone. She shook her head as she finished with her blouse. Bending over, she grabbed a pair of socks and a skirt. She stepped into the skirt and fixed it up at her waist.
After pulling on both of her socks, Kurumu grabbed one of her sleeveless sweaters. Tugging it over her head and smoothing it down her torso, she reached up and fluffed her arctic blue tresses.
"I'm going to leave my hair down today."
Moka smiled, slipping on her school jacket.
"It looks pretty."
"How long is it now?"
Moka grinned, reaching over to play with a lock behind Kurumu's ear. Having succubus blood fresh in her system, Moka could see through the illusion Kurumu used to lengthen her hair.
"Still not shoulder length. But cute."
Kurumu nodded, thinking if she changed her mind she could always put it up. Her purple lace ribbon was in her schoolbag.
Having nothing else to do in here, Kurumu exited the closet and made her way over to her schoolbag resting in the entryway. As she bent down for her schoolbag, she heard a knock on the door.
Abandoning her task, Kurumu hopped over to the door and drew the deadbolt back. She slowly pushed the door out, hoping not to hit whomever it was visiting them. She smiled at Yukari's frown.
"You're already dressed?"
"What time is it?"
Yukari shrugged, fiddling with the straps of her two bags as she walked inside.
"It's almost seven. I sent Rubi to wake up that useless stalker again."
"Good morning, Yukari."
"Are you ever going to be nice to Mizore?"
"Is there a reason for me to be nice to her?"
Kurumu sighed, bending down to slip on her loafers as Moka came over to give Yukari a hug.
"You could be less vocal about your disapproval of her."
Yukari nuzzled her cheek against Moka's bosom.
"Where's your sister?"
"Getting dressed."
"She forgot to give me those Gravitation volumes she finished yesterday."
Moka laughed, letting go of Yukari. She retreated back to the couch, hunkering down to grab the table.
"She mentioned that last night. She completely forgot about it and went straight to her fencing club."
Moka dragged the table over to her bed. Stepping over the table, she pushed it underneath the bed.
"Did she finish any more volumes?"
"One more volume. Did you finish the series?"
"I read volume eleven last night. I'm glad I only have one more to go."
"You make it sound like a chore."
"It's not nearly as good of a story as Nana or GTO."
Kokoa emerged from her closet, fully dressed for school. Yukari reached for her schoolbag, opening it.
"I heard you finished with the fourth volume. Go ahead and put all of the ones you're done with in my bag so I can return them to Kana today."
Kokoa made a sound of acknowledgment as she walked over to the television to grab the volume she had finished last night.
"This story is weird. I knew Shuichi was lame, but I didn't think he'd start crossdressing."
"Wait. What?"
Yukari sighed at Kurumu's reaction.
"I don't understand the artist at all. There's a lot of over the top nonsense that completely undermines any attempt to make this a serious love story."
Kokoa shrugged, holding the volume to her bosom as she walked over to the bed. She grabbed her schoolbag resting on the floor nearby.
"Was I supposed to feel bad about him getting raped?"
Kurumu gagged as Moka came over to the entryway to put on her loafers.
"I'd hope so!"
"She's not wrong though. Shuichi is a whiny brat that runs around the story causing problems for everyone. He's such a slave to his emotions."
"He's passionate and honest. If he wasn't such a wuss, I'd like him more."
"Half of the drama in this story is because Shuichi doesn't use his head at all. I feel sorry for Yuki."
Kokoa handed over the fourth volume. As Yukari stuffed it into her schoolbag, Kokoa opened up her own to fetch the first three.
"Yuki's cool. He shouldn't be with a guy that cries all the time like a pathetic baby."
"He's a man's man. I'm kind of glad I stuck it out since it looks like Yuki is finally opening up. But I still think he could do so much better than Shuichi."
"Does Yuki kill anybody?"
Yukari smirked as she tucked away the other three volumes into her bag.
"I wouldn't mind if Yuki killed half the cast. He should have dropped Reiji off the building from the start."
"Who's Reiji?"
"A poor decision by the artist."
Sensing it was time to leave, Kurumu opened the door and slipped outside. She took in a deep breath of morning air as Yukari and Moka followed her out. Kokoa slipped on her shoes.
"I think Seguchi and Hiroshi are both cool. Yuki would be better off with either of them."
"Are you forgetting that Seguchi is married to Yuki's sister?"
"I'm not. But Seguchi is an interesting guy."
"I wouldn't mind if the pairing had been Hiroshi and Yuki. He's a much more stable individual."
"But wouldn't that make for a boring story?"
Yukari sighed dramatically as Moka locked up her suite.
"I suppose. But I can't say that I've been entertained by this nonsense."
"Should we join Rubi?"
Kurumu shrugged at Moka's suggestion, walking off towards the other building. Dressed in a black crop top and a black, ruffled skirt which almost touched the ground, Rubi lingered at Mizore's door.
"Yukari. Could you remove the illusion on the butsudan and urn tonight?"
"I'm curious as to why."
"The reason why Ms. Nekonome took Kurumu from club yesterday was to inform Kurumu that they knew the truth."
"Yea. So I don't need that illusion of yours anymore."
Rubi grinned at their arrival, bowing slightly.
"Good morning!"
"Morning. Has Mizore answered her door?"
"She has and is getting dressed."
"Can I see the butsudan?"
Kurumu frowned at Kokoa.
"Why would you want to do that?"
"Because I should. It is your mother."
"It's not like you knew her."
"Are you saying that you don't care about the death of our mother?"
Kurumu flinched at Kokoa's retort.
"Fine. You can see the butsudan. But we don't have time for that now. After school."
"What's a butsudan?"
"It's a small shrine a family keeps to remember the departed. Don't you have any trinkets or mementos of your parents?"
"I don't."
Kurumu hesitated, unsure if she should continue.
"Rubi. What would make you happy?"
Rubi cocked her head, tapping her cheek thoughtfully.
"I suppose it would be nice if Mr. Aono finally gave me the spanking I deserve."
Kurumu groaned as Kokoa and Yukari snickered.
"I regret asking."
The door tugged open and Mizore stepped out. Like yesterday, she was not bothering with the jacket and her black sports bra could be seen through her white blouse. The snow girl locked up the door.
"Morning, Mizore."
Mizore murmured a response. Yukari snorted, taking off without comment. Rubi hurried up to her side as the rest of them fell in step.
"I've been meaning to ask, but do you only own black sports bras?"
"I have six."
"Okay. Do you own other bras?"
"No."
"You need to improve your lingerie selection."
"For Tsukune?"
"It's not like everything I bought was for his sake. Right, Moka?"
Moka blushed while walking alongside Kokoa ahead of them.
"Right! Thongs aren't everything."
"You should shop lingerie with us again. Expand your selection. Try out different colors."
"Do they make striped bras?"
"I've never thought to look for that."
"Most of my panties are striped so I'd like them to match."
"Why don't you buy more panties?"
"I don't need more panties. And I still owe Akashiya some CDs for the outfits she bought me."
"I can wait. I'd rather you spend your money on yourself."
"No. I want to settle my debt with you first."
An uncomfortable silence followed as they made their way down the trail away from the commissary.
"So… what did you do yesterday?"
"I followed Tsukune home after he got blood from Rubi in the infirmary."
"Don't you mean you walked with him?"
"He's uncomfortable if I'm too close to him."
"I don't see how stalking him would make him feel any more comfortable."
"It's fine if he doesn't notice."
Kurumu sighed, doubting this was an improvement over how things had been before.
"You know… I love you Mizore."
"I'm sorry, but my heart belongs to Tsukune."
Kurumu huffed, backhanding Mizore's shoulder.
"I'm serious, Mizore. I don't think stalking Tsukune is what's best for you."
"What else can I do? There's no time to find someone else."
Kurumu grimaced. While it was uncertain when Mizore would have to marry Umizake, it seemed likely that it would within a year.
"What if we find someone for Umizake?"
"Not likely. That guy is too antisocial for Nagisa and her friends."
"And I understood that they would pick someone else for her if he backed out."
"That's true, but they might not be able to find someone right away."
"I'd rather keep it as Mr. Umizake than some guy I don't know."
Umizake Aoi was a mizuchi which was some kind of water dragon. He was the son of the Fairy Tale region commander of Hokkaido. This marriage was a political arrangement made several years ago to unify the Hokkaido region under Fairy Tale rule. Kurumu had met his parents whom were agreeable people and somehow fully under the belief that Lord Fujisaki was a good person.
Umizake was a quiet guy. He was a top ten student and had joined the PSC. He was supposedly keeping an eye on Mizore, but he had not helped at all with Mizore's situation with Coach Kotsubo. He had lied for Mizore, claiming she was spending the summer with him so that she could be with Tsukune. It was difficult to comprehend what he wanted to happen since he behaved so apathetic about everything.
They reached the end of this trail. Veering left, they started down the combined path.
"So… what kind of panties do you own?"
"Striped ones."
"I know that. I meant what style. Like I know you bought a thong for him."
"Style?"
"There's different kinds of panties, Mizore. The ones I'm wearing are boyshorts and they're very comfy and sexier than briefs. The lacy panties Moka has on are bikinis. Like a swimsuit."
Mizore nodded thoughtfully.
"I think they're all briefs."
"Please don't tell me that they're all the same color."
"I won't."
Kurumu sighed at Mizore's flat response.
"You do have different colored stripes, right? It's not all black and white?"
"I only have two black and white pairs. Most are blue and white, purple and white or pink and white."
"You have pink and white?"
Mizore nodded, lowering her hand from the white stick nestled in the corner of her mouth.
"My mother bought three six packs. Two packs were identical with the blue, purple and pink briefs while the other pack came with black, red and green ones."
"I guess you do have a lot of panties, but I still think you need a better selection."
"I don't know if I have that many panties."
Kurumu smirked at Kokoa's remark.
"You don't. I've seen all that you own."
"Should I buy more?"
"You should retire your kiddie panties."
Kokoa blushed, turning her nose up.
"I only have a few of those."
"It's half of what you own. You can't get through a week without wearing one of them."
"But they're comfortable."
"You're wearing them now, aren't you?"
"No, I'm not!"
"Which is it? Panda? Hippo? Koala?"
"Kurumu, stop."
Kurumu grinned at Moka's scolding. The other three in Kokoa's arsenal were an elephant, lion and monkey. It was a souvenir pack her father had bought from a zoo. There was sentimental value in them but they were panties. That was not something any father would want his child to treasure.
"Morning, Moka."
Moka brightened up at the sight of Tsukune standing a few paces up the main trail in the direction of the school. As Yukari and Rubi exchanged greetings with him, Moka bounded over to him with a bright smile.
"Morning, Tsukune."
Tsukune winced, shielding his face and looking away.
"I'm so sorry."
"What for?"
"Nothing. Just a troublesome dream."
Yukari, Moka and Mizore all regarded Kurumu suspiciously.
"I didn't do anything."
Tsukune laughed sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck.
"I doubt it was her. It was way too weird."
"What was it about?"
"I'd rather not say."
Miyamoto chuckled, clapping his hand on Tsukune's shoulder.
"Indeed. The poor guy was distracted all morning. It was rough whipping him into shape."
"Ugh. Do we have to walk with this loser to school again?"
"We don't have time for this nonsense. I'm walking to school without you."
Kurumu chuckled as everyone followed after the witch.
"I hope you trained well this morning."
"This change of schedule is rough. I'm not used to skipping breakfast on purpose."
"I concur. We should start things at least fifteen minutes earlier as I also would like breakfast."
They walked a good length of trail in silence. The woods to the left started to thin out as they neared the pond where Kurumu had first spoken to Tsukune. She sighed.
"Moka. What kind of plans do you have for your future?"
"Plans? None, I guess."
"A top student has no plans?"
Moka smiled at Miyamoto's surprise.
"It's a matter of not knowing if I have a future after my seal is removed forever."
"I'm so sorry, Moka. I was just thinking about my dream."
"What was your dream about?"
Tsukune smiled nervously.
"My future. It was about the trip in Okinawa and how Ms. Otonashi was living there. It made me wonder what sort of future I should be pursuing once we graduate from Yokai Academy."
Miyamoto nodded solemnly.
"A serious matter indeed. I intend to join Fairy Tale and push for more monsters to become properly registered citizens."
"That's unexpected."
"I think citizenship is an important matter. It must be tackled soon if we are ever to properly integrate into human society."
"That's kind of cool. I didn't think you had a brain in there."
Miyamoto grinned at Kokoa, giving her a thumbs up.
"I'm always thinking of a future where little sisters will never have to cry."
"Okay… you lost me."
Kurumu chuckled as they drifted by the thinnest stretch of land between the trail and pond shore.
"Do you have any ideas of what you want to do, Tsukune?"
"Hopefully it will be enough to support our family of four kids."
Tsukune gagged as Kurumu frowned at Mizore.
"That's an oddly specific number."
"A family is best evenly balanced. Two girls and two boys. Nobody is lonely."
"I don't think you can plan the genders of your babies."
"You can if you adopt."
Kurumu smirked at Yukari's comment.
"I doubt she was planning to adopt."
"I'm fine with that if Tsukune would prefer not to have them naturally."
That hit hard. Kurumu caressed Mizore's shoulder.
"You're pretty, Mizore. You don't have to adopt."
"That's my dream. A nice, cozy family. Away from Yukimura. Free. Happy."
Tsukune laughed sheepishly with a glance back at them.
"I haven't thought about kids or a career. I guess I'm being silly though. It's not like a serious decision like this needs to be made right now."
"Well… it's never smart to put off something for tomorrow if it can be done today."
Tsukune gagged at Moka's remark, clutching his chest.
"Yea. I suppose that's true."
"You need to have a solid idea of what you want out of life. If you don't, Mother will decide for you."
Kokoa wagged her hand at Tsukune.
"That's right. You're practically a member of the Shuzen Estate now. If you don't toughen up, you're going to be washing dishes for the rest of your life."
"You can't be serious!"
"Being Moka's blood claim won't protect him forever. It wouldn't surprise me if Mother sells him."
"Sells?!"
"How much would he cost?"
"Mizore!"
Laughter filled the air, drawing their attention to a huge panda blocking the trail to Mononoke on the left. Yukari cursed, hopping back a step and moving her hands frantically.
"Stay your spell, Ms. Sendou. I only wish to talk."
A familiar young man stepped out from behind the snarling beast. He wore a long white coat with a black, mandarin collar. The black hem came down in the center of the coat which was held together by black toggles worked into the fabric. The coat parted at the waist and swept off to the sides, revealing a pair of black slacks. The young man had his hands thrust in the pockets of the coat at his hips.
"I may have a solution to all of your problems."
Miyamoto huffed, pointing at the guy.
"Who are you?"
"Huang Fang. I have come to make Aono Tsukune an offer."
Despite being a foreigner, Huang had a solid grasp of the language. He had an accent but Kurumu could distinguish his words better than Ishiko's babble. His ebony locks were pulled back in a braided tail which stretched down to the back of his knees. He had white spherical earrings and feminine features.
"Do I know you?"
"This is Ms. Huang's younger brother. He's in class six."
"Oh, right. You did an article on her."
Huang chuckled, thrusting his chest out.
"Which was all lies. We are not from such humble origins. But like Ms. Akashiya, we need to pretend we are more common to avoid attention."
"Give me one reason not to obliterate your oversized teddy bear."
"Calm down, Ms. Sendou. I know you must find my manly presence intimidating, but someday you will understand that this feeling is your natural instincts urging you to submit to my masculinity."
Yukari snapped both of her fingers and the huge panda vanished. There was a splash off in the distance as Huang looked about in confusion.
"What happened to my servant?"
"I gave it a bath. And you're next."
Huang waved his hands frantically.
"Wait, Ms. Sendou. Be rational."
Kurumu laughed, hopping over to grab Yukari.
"Calm down, Yukari. He's only talking."
"The only thing that falls from his lips are demeaning compliments. I'd rather be locked up in a room butt naked with Ginei."
Kurumu frowned, regarding the foreigner.
"What the hell have you been saying to her in computer class?"
"I've only spoken to her with the utmost respect."
"I'll show you respect!"
Kurumu had to hold tight to keep Yukari from lunging at the guy.
"I'd suggest you start talking."
"Yes. The obvious solution to his problem would be to become a member of my family."
Everybody regarded the confident young man in confusion. Even Yukari calmed down.
"What?"
Huang clutched his chest and held his other hand out to Tsukune.
"It's simple. Make a lifelong commitment to me."
Kurumu released Yukari, blinking at this turn of events. She shared a glance with Mizore and then with Moka. They were equally confused.
"Did he just propose?"
Huang darted by Kokoa to snatch up Tsukune's hand.
"I've been looking for a strong man like you. I need you by my side."
Tsukune shuddered.
"Uh… you're a guy, right?"
"That's right. I'm a guy."
"But that's not right!"
"Don't worry. I'll teach you all there is to know about the passionate bonds between men."
"But they're both Shuichi."
"Huang!"
Yukari stomped over to the two boys. She bent down and picked up a rock.
"I need you to do something."
Huang released Tsukune's hand to address the witch. He clutched his chest and bowed slightly.
"What is it you require?"
Yukari made quick gestures over the rock in her hand. Everyone watched as the witch took a good half minute enchanting the rock. Once she was finished, she held it up to Huang.
"I need you to hold this."
"I will not fall for that trick again."
"Go ahead and throw it then. I don't care."
Huang smirked, snatching it out of her hand. He turned and chucked it into the forest with alarming speed. He grinned, turning back on Yukari.
"Ha! You won't turn me invisible again with a rock magically glued to my hand."
In the blink of an eye, the young man vanished.
"Um… what just happened?"
Yukari huffed as she started down the school trail at a brisk pace.
"That rock has a teleportation enchantment on it, causing the person throwing the rock to end up at its destination. Let's get moving before that dummy figures out what happened."
"I must say that was excellent thinking, Ms. Sendou."
"So… Tsukune has even attracted a guy."
Kurumu snapped out of her shock. She whimpered at Mizore's remark.
"No! I might be fine if Tsukune ends up with Moka or Mizore but he can't end up with a guy!"
Tsukune gagged, shaking his head vehemently.
"I assure you that is not going to happen!"
Yukari snickered.
"I don't know, Tsukune. I could see you with another guy."
"Please don't say that about me!"
"Why not? Kana's trying to convince me the whole boys' love movement is wholesome."
"How is that wholesome?!"
"Whatever. Aono is way too much of a weakling to satisfy Yuki."
"Who is Yuki?"
Kurumu smiled softly, having some idea what these names indicated.
"Tsukune… I think you're better off not knowing."
"Nozomi!"
Nozomi grinned, nodding at Ms. Nekonome as she passed by the teacher whom had held them up to the lunch bell reviewing today's quiz. The track girl hurried down the aisle, leaning down to give Kurumu the hug she was encouraging.
"You're in a mood. That's the third girl I've seen you hug today."
As Yukari slung her satchel up on her shoulder, Kurumu relinquished her hold on Nozomi.
"Oh? Am I not special?"
Juri giggled as Kurumu stuffed her history notebook into her schoolbag.
"She hugged me and Ms. Unari earlier today. While Miho's always been friendly, I've never had a friend so openly affectionate."
Kurumu huffed as she pulled her interview notebook out and held it to her bosom.
"Believe it or not, but I didn't have many friends back in junior high. I'm showing my appreciation."
"How about some appreciation for me?"
Kurumu smirked at Abe's playful remark. Standing up, she slipped her free arm around Nozomi's shoulder and leaned against the taller girl.
"I can hug girls. Boys are too immature to handle hugging."
Nozomi and Juri both laughed at his frown.
"Would that include Aono?"
Kurumu pouted at Senyou's smirk. The boy had paused in front of Yukari's desk.
"That's different. I hug Tsukune because it makes me feel good."
"It still blows my mind that he talks about you like a sister."
"What?"
Nozomi favored Juri's shock with a snaggletooth grin.
"I'm serious. These last couple lunches watching these two… total big brother, doting little sister vibe going on. I see it all the time."
Senyou snickered, shaking his head.
"I would have never guessed that. Then again, my little sister worships the ground I walk on."
"You have a little sister?"
Senyou grinned at Juri with a similar snaggletooth.
"Three years younger than me. It's not like I do anything special. She simply loves me for existing."
Kurumu smiled, rubbing the side of her head against Nozomi's shoulder.
"If I had a little sister like Kurumu, I'd probably cross the line."
Satsuki snorted at Abe, shaking her head.
"You're sick."
"I'm just saying."
"It's family. You don't do that."
Senyou snickered at Satsuki's stern remark.
"Definitely. Even if my little sister threw herself at me, my parents would never forgive me. I'd move out before caving in."
"Don't act like you have any redeemable qualities."
"I wouldn't say refusing to do something is a good trait. It sometimes happens when girls go into heat."
"Are we going or talking about this nonsense?"
Satsuki shrugged at Kumiko's protest. Offering no other response, Satsuki started for the door which prompted Deshi to take the lead. Kumiko followed in their wake.
"Here. If you see Tsukune, tell him I'm down at our usual lunch spot."
Yukari thrust the periwinkle bento at Kurumu. Grinning, Kurumu detached from Nozomi to take it.
"Thanks, Yukari."
The witch stalked off the moment Kurumu took the bento. Noting most of her peers had left, Kurumu started towards the door which prompted Juri and Nozomi to walk with her.
"What are you two still doing here?"
Senyou grinned, glancing at Abe before falling in step with her.
"I see you in company with a pretty girl I'd like to know better."
"I'm helping Kurumu with her article today. I don't have time to flirt with you."
"Who said anything about flirting?"
Kurumu smirked as they slipped out of the classroom. The doors for every classroom were open and the hallway was filled with the murmur of hundreds of conversations. Tora was already walking with Kumiko and the other PSC girls a few paces ahead of them.
"Senyou. I'm going to be honest and say that it would have been better if you and your friends had picked one girl to flirt with instead of both."
"I don't particularly regard Hitomure as a friend."
"Even if he had only flirted with me, I still wouldn't be interested."
"Ms. Kurono!"
Yougan beckoned to her from the crossover between classes five and eight. He was with Ikazuchi and Munemoshi. Kurumu smirked, handing her bento over to Nozomi.
"Hold this. I'll try to do a couple interviews while we're in line."
"Why? Akari will get us up near the front."
"Will they let us cut in line with a bunch of guys?"
"Probably not with these two."
Senyou chuckled, glancing at Abe.
"Okay, okay. I got the message."
"You won't mind if I'm with you, right?"
Kurumu grinned at Juri, aware that her two archery friends had lunch fourth period.
"I don't think that would be a problem."
"Thanks so much. It would be nice if U and Miho would hold a place in line for me but they're worried that would be too impolite."
Kurumu doubted Kisurusu had reservations against that. The chatty tennin from class five whom had been one of Ms. Ishigami's victims was fairly outgoing.
"Maybe you could suggest them to wait with Akari's group?"
"Maybe. U is reluctant to talk to new people."
"Miho is in the same gym group as Kiba."
"I doubt talking to Kiba will do any good. Have her talk to Akari."
Kurumu smiled as they joined the trio of guys at the top of the stairs.
"I see that you are eager to have your interview done."
"His time has finally come. I'm here as witness to his journey into manhood."
Nozomi chuckled at Ikazuchi's declaration. Shaking her head, she started down the stairs.
"You'd probably hold the camera."
Ikazuchi snapped his fingers as he hurried down the steps to meet her stride.
"I knew I forgot something."
"I'd like to do your interview first but I don't have a free hand."
"Want me to hold your bento?"
"Naw. Nozomi reminded me that we're going up to the front to join Akari."
"Yea. And we're ditching all the extra baggage."
Ikazuchi clutched his chest.
"Please let me stay."
"Get lost."
Ikazuchi threw a pained look at Yougan.
"How cruel."
"Coach agreed to do a Thursday shoot before our practice. I already told Mr. Yamabato about it."
"Thanks. You know… I actually don't know your first name."
"It's Kurai. They named the dining hall after me."
"Yea. Sure."
"Honest."
Kurumu shook her head, glancing back at Juri. The sprite looked so tiny descending the stairs alongside Munemoshi. Senyou and Abe were further back, having their own conversation about girls' anatomy and failing to be discrete about it.
"I know Munemoshi's name is Kenji and that he went to junior high in Akichi. You're from Moegara, meaning you went to the junior high in Atsuen."
"Mhm. And you're a country bumpkin from the Tottori prefecture. "
"Are the two of you in the shop class?"
"Munemoshi is. I'm in the business program."
"Really? Do you have any career plans after graduation?"
"No clue. My parents pushed me to do the business program so I could get a job with Fairy Tale if I don't come up with anything better to do."
"Makes sense. What about you, Munemoshi? Any future plans?"
"Haven't thought much about it. Focus on graduating first."
Kurumu smiled softly, thinking about Tsukune's concerns this morning. They were all first years so it was somewhat expected.
"Any particular reason why you joined basketball?"
"I don't like Judo."
Kurumu giggled at his flat response. Shaking her head, she glanced at Yougan.
"What about you?"
"Well… it was always fun to do in gym back in junior high. My sister also got me into the Slam Dunk comics. It was so cool that I wanted to give it a shot."
Ikazuchi snickered, stopping at the bottom of the stairs.
"That is sad, man. My love for baseball isn't rooted in a cheesy comic."
"Don't pretend that you played your sport before coming here."
"Baseball requires a lot more players."
"Yea. And basketball requires a hoop. It's not something we could do outside of school."
"You could play with your balls alone. Try batting or playing catch with yourself. That sucks."
"There's more to basketball than dribbling."
"Yea. Running back and forth like an idiot."
Yougan smirked as they gathered at the bottom of the stairs. He thumbed to the back of the line.
"Take a hike, buddy."
"Come on, man. I waited upstairs with you."
"I didn't make you do that."
"Ms. Kurono. Have mercy on me."
"Nope. Take these two with you when you go."
Senyou chuckled, retreating towards the line.
"That's cold."
"Yea. Shirayuki isn't the only ice queen on campus."
"You're a real jerk. I'm never encouraging Asuka to give you another chance."
"That's okay. My heart belongs to Mini Minx."
"Yea, well… enjoy being single your entire high school years."
Kurumu stalked off, prompting Nozomi to follow. Yougan trotted up, shaking his head.
"He's just goofing off like always."
"He's annoying. Asuka only had a couple guys in school her parents would approve of her dating."
"Did you want those two together that badly?"
Kurumu sighed, knowing she was annoyed with the remark about Mizore.
"You have four older sisters, right?"
"Seriously?"
Yougan chuckled at Nozomi's reaction.
"Yes. I'm the youngest and only son."
"Did any of them marry outside their race?"
"Uh… well only one of my sisters has married. And she married a human she met in college."
"I've heard about Moegara having a sizable monstrel community. I met several of them when I did the band article. Would you date outside your race?"
"I have thought about it."
"I think every guy has less reservations against being race exclusive."
"It's not like that."
"Oh? Then how is it?"
Yougan hesitated to respond.
"There is a girl in particular."
"You have a love interest?"
"I do. But I don't particularly want you to write about it."
"Could I write something generic like you have a crush on someone?"
"I don't know. Maybe. But I don't want to threaten our status quo."
"I don't recall you being particularly close to any girls in class. Is this someone from your junior high?"
"Maybe this isn't a good idea. It might become too obvious."
"Not necessarily. Unless she's aware of your class dynamic, she might think it's someone else."
"Yea. And a crush is just a crush. You could be crushing on someone like Kurumu for all she knows."
Kurumu nodded at Juri's input.
"Right. Is it Onishi?"
Yougan laughed at her mention of an adorable monstrel girl from band in class twelve.
"No. It's not a girl from Moegara."
"Atsuen then. Is she in our grade?"
Yougan sucked in a deep breath, shaking his head.
"I'm not giving any further hints. I already know she's going to ask me about having a crush. That's going to be rough enough."
Kurumu had no idea whom it could be. The two Atsuen girls that came to mind were the two in her home ec class, Makiba and Keishutani. Keishutani was in an arranged marriage which would be utterly tragic for him. And while Ushio's cousin was pretty, Kurumu doubted Yougan would be attracted to her.
"You realize that I'm going to ask Makiba about this when I do her volleyball article."
"Please don't."
"It's her?!"
Yougan shook his head vehemently at Nozomi's conclusion.
"No! I am so regretting saying anything about this now."
"It's too late, Mr. Yougan. We're going to figure this out soon."
"I'm realizing my mistake."
Kurumu chuckled, glancing back at Munemoshi.
"What about you? Any love interests?"
The big guy grinned wide.
"Even if I had one, I see it's best to say nothing."
"Akari!"
Nozomi waved to the trio waiting in the diagonal section of the line. Kurumu clutched her bento and notebook to her bosom, smiling at the trio as Kiba and Akari both waved back. Akari turned to the guys behind them, bowing slightly and murmuring for permission for cutting. Kurumu had never seen a guy refuse Akari's request.
"Hey, Akari. Nikki."
The girls exchanged greetings as they settled in line.
"This is Morisato Juri, my classmate. Her friends she eats lunch with have fourth period gym."
"Pleased to meet you."
"And these two are first years on the basketball team. This is Yougan Kurai and Munemoshi Kenji."
"We have a mystery to solve."
"What's this about?"
"Yougan was about to tell us the identity of his secret love."
"All lies. My heart knows nothing of love."
"It's too late for that."
"How long have you been crushing on this girl?"
Yougan sighed heavily, shaking his head.
"I'm going to die."
Kurumu chuckled, wagging her bento at Nikki.
"Could someone hold this? I'm going to need a free hand to buy my juice."
"Did you remember to bring your lunch card?"
Kurumu groaned at Juri's inquiry.
"No. It's still in my schoolbag."
"You're so hopeless."
Kurumu sighed, supposing she could always pick up a can of juice or tea in the school store later.
"I guess I'm down to birthdays and favorites. When did you turn sixteen?"
"May twenty fifth."
Kurumu frowned at Yougan's prompt response.
"That's around the time I switched homerooms. Did you not mention it to anyone?"
"We did. Tried to get some special treatment from Ms. Kagome because it was my birthday."
Kurumu paused, thinking back. Her eyes widened as she recalled some of the childish banter those two had thrown about during Ms. Kagome's special lessons.
"No way! You guys were being serious?!"
"Yea. His birthday is less than two weeks after mine."
Asuka had joked about not dating a guy younger than her. Ikazuchi was four days younger than her.
"He tried so hard to get Mini Minx to sit in his lap the day after his birthday."
"I didn't need to know that."
"This will be a bit off topic, but did Ms. Shirayuki bring her tea?"
Kurumu perked up at Akari's inquiry.
"Oh! Um… I don't think she remembered to."
"I guess we're grabbing drinks then."
When they had talked about the thermos and drinks yesterday, Mizore had reminded them that she did still have that tea which could help others tolerate her cold. Kurumu had forgotten entirely about that, saying it would be nice for Mizore to bring some. Kurumu had even offered baking some sweets.
"I'm so sorry. We should have told Rubi about it, since she's the one that woke Mizore up."
Though they had all been there. She would have to scold Yukari and Moka for not speaking up.
"So… I'm down to just my favorites, huh?"
"Yea. When is your birthday, Munemoshi?"
"November tenth."
Kurumu shook her head, always amazed when a guy so much bigger than her was younger than her.
"You might have to remind me of that when I start writing notes."
"What kind of favorites are you wanting us to ask the guys about?"
"Hobbies. Music. Food. Whatever they feel like."
Akari nodded, gesturing at Kurumu's notebook.
"I'll need some paper and a pen."
Kurumu's eyes widened.
"Nozomi. Tell me that you have a pen."
Nozomi nodded, fishing one out of her jacket pocket.
"I have one but I'll need paper."
Kurumu turned a hopeful smile on Juri.
"You wouldn't happen to have a pen?"
As Juri shook her head, Munemoshi presented one to her. Kurumu sighed in relief.
"Thank goodness. I hope you don't mind letting Akari borrow that."
Munemoshi grunted, handing the mechanical pencil to Akari as Kurumu flipped her notebook open. She tore out four sheets, handing two to each of the girls.
"That should be enough for at least four interviews each. Try to get more if you can."
"No promises."
"Those boys will intentionally be difficult."
"Well… you know a fair amount about each of them so it shouldn't be too hard."
"I like green eyes."
Kurumu perked up at Yougan's sudden remark.
"Oh? Is this a trait of your mystery woman?"
He flinched. Chuckling sheepishly, he rubbed the back of his neck.
"Maybe. Don't you have a preference on eyes?"
Kurumu smiled, noting his golden eyes.
"I don't think about the color as much. It's more of the feeling in those eyes."
"But doesn't a certain color captivate you?"
"Soft. I know that's not a color. But that's what draws me in. Soft."
It was how she best remembered Tsukune's eyes. Softness. Kindness. Not passion or intensity. It was a gaze which made her feel welcome, comfortable and warm.
"That's different."
"It's strange. I don't know what I'd say if some guy said he liked my soft eyes."
Nikki snorted at Kiba.
"You don't have to worry about that."
"Hey now. She's got hazel eyes like mine."
"It's not about color, Nozomi."
"Whatever. Take this."
Kiba swatted Nikki on top of the head with a tray. Nozomi laughed, yanking the tray away from Kiba to hand it over to a pouting Nikki. Kiba smirked, grabbing another tray.
"You do realize that a green eyed girl from Atsuen is going to be easy for Kurumu to find."
"I didn't say she had green eyes."
Nozomi drawled out her disbelief as she took a tray from Kiba. Yougan waved a dismissive hand at Kiba when she held a tray out to him.
"We don't need those. Our team tells the ladies at the register to fetch one of our premade lunches."
"Yea. And it's paid in advance so we don't have to wait in line."
Kurumu perked up at Munemoshi's revelation.
"Oh? I guess we'll see you girls later then."
Kurumu nodded at her friends before following Yougan down the serving line. Yougan went to the front of the line for the register closest to the juice carts and said a quick word to the worker. The lady hurried off to the door, calling out. While they waited, Munemoshi grabbed some drinks from the juice carts. In seconds, the worker was given a pair of trays which she handed off to the two boys.
Kurumu followed the pair into the cafeteria seating area, wondering if she should talk to Makiba about Yougan's crush. She had never gotten the impression that a bunch of kids from Atsuen attended Yokai Academy. Half of the girls she knew about were actually from Moegara. The rest were guys.
As they neared the swimming club table, Kurumu noted that the two tables for baseball were across the aisle from the two tables for softball. After that was the fencing club's table. Kokoa would not be eating with them today. Across the aisle from them was the two tables for the basketball team.
"Any other favorites?"
"Uh… I enjoy running and hot baths."
Kurumu laughed, shaking her head.
"I think everybody loves hot baths."
"Yea, it sucks. First years get community showers and I hear it's not much better for the second years."
Kurumu smirked, aware that the second years did have a communal bath.
"Well… there is a bathhouse in Mononoke."
"Maybe that appeals to girls but I'm in no hurry to get naked with other guys."
Munemoshi chuckled as they arrived at the aisle side table. Yougan took the open seat closest to the aisle with his back to the baseball team while Munemoshi scooted over to sit between Yougan and this huge fellow with dusty locks which hung upon his massive head like a mop. She recalled his picture from the popularity contest but had forgotten his name.
Sitting on the large guy's left was a tall, slender fellow with his black locks braided tight to his scalp. His pink eyes licked over Kurumu's body with lustful appreciation. Shuddering, Kurumu took a seat across from Yougan.
"Good afternoon, Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu smiled at the scruffy haired senior seated in the center of the table on her side. Bakugen had amusement in his citron eyes. He gestured across the table.
"Shall I start with introductions?"
Kurumu grinned, taking note of the last guy seated on the other side of the table. That was Hatahana Yuya whom she also recognized from the popularity contest pamphlet. He was a gyokuto from Aranoiji and a potential love interest to one of her friends in home economics. The second year had gorgeous, chocolate locks which drifted down to his shoulders with a natural wave.
"Sure. Let me get my notebook ready."
Setting her bento aside, she flipped open her notebook and pulled her mechanical pencil out. She hastily scrawled down the birthdays for Munemoshi and Yougan before she forgot them.
"I'm guessing you've already acquainted yourself with Mr. Yougan and Mr. Munemoshi."
She nodded, jotting down Yougan's first name and his elective.
"I'm Bakugen Akaru, captain of the team. I'm a third year in class twelve. My colossal companion is Hisahito Oukii. He's also my roommate and from class eight."
"Are you two from the same community?"
"Not at all. I'm from Tochimoeru while Oukii is from Chouten."
Kurumu nodded, recalling that was the name of the giant community which attended the same junior high as the gnomes of Touboe.
"This guy beside Oukii is Hiromori Einosuke. He's in Oukii's homeroom this year."
"And I live alone in suite 608. You are more than welcome to visit."
Kurumu smirked, shaking her head. She wagged her pencil at Hatahana.
"I actually know Hatahana Yuya. Meisai speaks fondly about you."
Hatahana looked up from his meal in interest.
"She does?"
"Mhm. She says she misses the times when you actually paid attention to her."
"Well we're not little kids anymore."
"But it sounded like you two got along fine in junior high."
"I wasn't aware one of my teammates was plagued by a childhood crush."
"You mean like you?"
"This sounds different than mine."
"This is rather intriguing. I wasn't aware any of my juniors were having girl issues."
Hatahana shook his head at Bakugen's remark.
"It's not an issue. This is Meisai's little sister we're talking about."
"You have to introduce me."
"No way."
Kurumu chuckled at his quick refusal to Hiromori's request. Noting his pink eyes, Kurumu gambled.
"Are you from the Tsunan community?"
"I most certainly am, Ms. Kurono. If you're ever in town, I'll show you all the hot spots."
Kurumu smirked, seeing no reason to respond to that.
"So are we expecting more guys at this table?"
"Just my little brother and Mr. Kensa. Everyone else sits at the other table."
Kurumu nodded, taking note of the five boys at the other table. She recognized the Kinugomi twins but had not seen the other three before. One had his ebony locks done up in a faux hawk while another had his platinum blond curls kept in a tidy crew cut. The tallest of this trio had his tawny locks haphazardly combed about.
"I know the Kinugomi twins are from Ashikantai. What about the other three?"
"Those are the Watasora boys. The big one is Mr. Nakamori. He lives with Mr. Sakini, the dark haired one. They're both seniors in class ten with Tsuki. The blond is Mr. Shizumaru, a second year from class five."
"Well… I have two friends that will handle that table. I'll do my best to finish this one."
"That's a bit optimistic."
"Pessimism will get me nowhere. So, Mr. Bakugen. do you have any girl issues?"
The boys all snickered at Bakugen's frown.
"Damn. You went right for the throat."
Kurumu sat down on top of her old desk. She sighed, fiddling with the strap of her schoolbag nestled between her breasts. She glanced over at Yukari as the witch took a seat nearby.
Tsukune and Tora wandered about the classroom with the broom and dustpan while Mizore cleaned the blackboard. The rest of the club had yet to show up.
She had not finished her basketball interviews. There simply had not been enough time to do eight interviews on her own, even with nearly finishing two of them in the line. She probably could manage with what she got out of Hisahito. Yukari had assured her it was about the same as what he had given for the popularity contest. But that still left three guys to do at the photo shoot.
Kensa Senji was from class nine. That was all she had on that second year. He had left at the sound of the bell, not even giving her a chance to talk to him
She had let herself be too distracted by Hiromori's flirtatious remarks. He was a sleazy bunny, talking about Garakuta and Kukioba like they were objects. Both of those gyokuto girls from the cheerleader squad were second years from Tsunan. He also spoke favorably about Kochimaru's physical attributes, claiming she was as ripe for the picking as she had been on the first day of junior high. She was a first year gyokuto from Tsunan whom was on the gymnastics team.
The younger Bakugen, Houya, was far more assertive than his brother. He had sat next to Kurumu and had probably used every pick up line he knew. He was funny and enjoyed invading her personal space. He had touched her several times. Not inappropriately but simple things like her hand or arm and only for a moment. He was testing the waters to see how much he could get away with.
For some reason, Nozomi and Akari had not done the Kinugomi twins. That was kind of odd, since the twins had surrendered their spots so the girls could have a seat at their table. She had assumed they would have done the twins first, considering they had stood the whole lunch hour.
Hashibata was the fifth at the other table. She had recognized the dark, shaggy haired guy from class twelve which was Ginei's homeroom. Shuryou was from class nine and Tsuiseki was from class eleven.
Most of the boys were taking the shop electives. Four of the five interviewed seniors were taking the mechanic course. Hiromori was the exception, enrolled in the health and wellness course. All but one of the interviewed juniors were taking the construction course. Hatahana was the exception, enrolled in the business program. And all of the freshmen were in shop except Yougan.
One amusing thing she had heard from Hatahana was that his volleyball team had defeated Hiromori's team right before lunch. Now his team was the only undefeated team in fourth period gym.
Intrigued by this, Kurumu had asked Ichida about their gym period results. Tsukune's class was the only undefeated team after second year class two defeated the third year class two, making both teams one loss. Tsukune's class had played against senior class three which was the only team of seventh period gym to not have a single win. Ichida's team was five wins and three losses. Their three losses were to Tsukune's class, first year class one whom had four losses right now, and third year class two.
"What are you two doing?"
Kurumu turned a tired smile upon Kana. The illustrator's blond hair came down to her shoulders but curled up to avoid impact. She had baby blue eyes.
"Just a long day."
"I have some smut that belongs to you."
Kurumu chuckled at Kana's gasp. Yukari swung her schoolbag into her lap, tugging it open.
"Gravitation is not smut."
"What else could I call it?"
"A romantic comedy."
Yukari snorted, fishing the four volumes out and stacking them on the desk beside Kurumu's hip.
"It's downright stupid. I wouldn't recommend this to Kurumu out of fear that she might regress."
Kana stowed away the volumes into her schoolbag one at a time.
"I have smut if you want that. I went to Comiket in Odaiba over the summer and picked up some steamy doujinshi, but I didn't think to bring that with me to Yokai Academy. It might be awkward asking my mom to bring that with her when she comes to the cultural festival, but if you want-"
"That will be fine. I don't want to trouble you."
"What are you talking about?"
Kurumu smiled at Moka's arrival.
"Kana's trying to bring Yukari to the dark side."
"There's nothing dark about boys' love."
Yukari sighed heavily, closing up her schoolbag.
"I'll try to finish Gravitation tonight but I have no idea when Moka's sister will finish the series."
"Does she like it?"
"We both think Yuki is cool and Shuichi is lame."
"Shuichi's a sweetheart."
"He's an idiot. There's nothing manly about him. The artist would have been better off having a female lead than some gay boy."
"I don't think that's true at all. You can't say that this manga would be better with Shuichi as a girl."
"I'm saying it would be a better manga without Shuichi. The gender isn't the issue."
Kana nodded, tapping her cheek.
"I see. You want more testosterone. Two tough guys."
Yukari threw up her hands defensively.
"Don't put words in my mouth here."
"There is the Finder series."
Kurumu was about to ask what that was when she saw a girl about Tsukune's height with smoky black twin tails enter the room, pulling on a dark haired guy's arm. This tanned girl with amethyst eyes was Hajihachi Mika, a second year in class six. This okami girl from Morihochou was unofficially the fiancée to the young man she was dragging with her.
While his girl was sporting the sleeveless sweater vest, Morioka Ginei had on the school jacket which he had left open. He had left the top three buttons of his dress shirt undone, baring the silver wolf head pendant which dangled from a black cord about his neck. His dark bangs were pushed back by a crimson hairband. After being hurt in the fight in Okinawa, his right eye had been replaced with a false one with a mint green iris while his other remained a smoky gray.
Trailing behind the couple was a brunette with short, unruly locks. This girl with topaz eyes was Sangi Mitsuki, the film club president. She was a second year from class seven. She wore her green jacket properly with a red tie just like Kana and Moka were.
"Hey Ginei. I haven't talked with you in days."
Ginei forced a smile as Hajihachi pulled him over to join them. The girl let go of his hand but he quickly stepped in behind her, wrapping his arms about her waist. Hajihachi blushed, resting her hands on top of his. Sangi chuckled, stopping beside the couple.
"He's been like this for the whole week now."
"Is there something wrong with me appreciating the feel of my woman?"
"It's a little overboard."
Ginei shrugged at Sangi's remark, resting his chin on Hajihachi's shoulder.
"I have to make up for all the time my poor arms were empty."
"Who is teaching your homeroom now that Ms. Yoshino is gone?"
"Ms. Idatsu is trying her best."
The buxom instructor of the construction trades course had tried to fill in for Mr. Sawayaka after his passing. Akari felt the poor woman was clueless about how to teach a conventional subject.
"And Ms. Rin?"
"I heard from Hitsumi that Ms. Tsumugi is filling in for now. I guess it makes sense that our school nurse would know a thing or two about biology."
Okimune Hitsumi was another former classmate and friend to Ginei and these two girls. The undine was presently in class two and was in the choir. Her and her older cousin, Odayakana, looked quite similar to Kurumu and would joke about her being their long lost sister.
"I'm sure you're all wondering what articles I found for you to do. I'll share that news when those two are finished cleaning up."
Kurumu nodded at Ginei, noting that Tsukune and Tora were nearly finished with sweeping up the room. Mizore was lingering by the teacher's desk, watching the pair intently.
"Mizore! Come over here!"
"Do you have anything different for Kana and Mizore?"
"Nothing in particular. I was hoping they could continue doing what they always do. Kana's comics continue to be amusing and Mizore's last story was a big hit."
"Did you hear that, Mizore?"
Mizore frowned as she slowly made her way over to them.
"If possible, I'd like both of you to be done before midterms."
"I thought we were releasing the paper after Sports Day."
"We are. But I think you two should try to get done now so you can focus on your studies next week."
"I already did one comic over the weekend. I could have another done by next Monday."
"That's good to hear. How about our resident author? Any stories ready for us?"
Mizore stopped by Kurumu's thigh, cocking her head.
"I haven't started to write anything."
"Maybe you should use all that free time you have writing instead of stalking."
"I don't have any ideas to write about."
"There's always boys' love."
Ginei groaned at Kana's suggestion.
"Make it something all audiences can appreciate."
"I will try."
"Mika and I will be covering the Sports Day event. How far along are you on those sports clubs?"
Kurumu grinned, reaching between her legs to grip the side of the desk. She cocked her head.
"I have the pictures for the basketball scheduled for Thursday after school. I'm done with fifteen of the eighteen interviews and figure I'll do Coach Enkan and the last three when we do the pictures."
"You good with that, Mitsuki?"
"Yea. That's fine."
"Kamitsuku also knows about it. Will you guys be making him a cake?"
Sangi paused before smirking.
"That's right. We were going to do that at Chouda's place."
"Mhm. Yukari has cake pans if Chouda doesn't."
"What do you need my cake pans for?"
"It's a birthday party for Kamitsuku. Better late than never."
"That's right. Uchiyama was whining about us not doing anything for his summer birthday."
"We should probably give your club a free day. We'll not schedule any articles on Saturday."
"That's perfect. I'll get the whole club involved if I can."
"The whole club?"
Sangi blushed slightly. She huffed, crossing her arms.
"The ones that matter."
Kurumu chuckled, imagining this would not include the members whom had not bothered attending the trip to Kofu.
"I don't have anything in place for the volleyball club yet."
"If possible, try to get that done this week."
"That might not be possible. I haven't even talked with Coach Hoshineru about pictures."
"Shoot for Friday pictures if you can. You have the lowest grades of our club so I think you need to spend most of the weekend studying."
Yukari barked out a laugh as Kurumu's frown deepened.
"That's not nice."
"Maybe not, but every club president is obligated to say this stuff."
"Yea. I had to scold Tamura."
Tamura Shigo was the last film club first year in class twelve.
"So… I guess you don't want me to do the fencing and kendo clubs."
"You can worry about Imi's club after midterms. And I frankly don't care when you do Kitajima's."
"Sports Day is right after midterms. Some people will have family over for the weekend."
"And we should release the paper as close to Sports Day as possible. It's not going to be news if we wait till the next week."
"Ginei is shooting for a Thursday paper. We finish our articles Tuesday night and the student council will approve it on Wednesday."
"Did I hear that right?"
Kurumu smiled as Tora drifted over to join them. Tsukune was walking over to the locker to put away the broom and dustpan.
"It sounds like we need to have all the article research done before midterms."
"I guess that's fine. Have we decided on the articles yet?"
"Ginei and I checked with the presidents of several clubs."
"First we should ask if any of you had any clubs in mind."
"I was hoping to do something for the paranormal club."
Ginei chuckled, leaning his head back as Tsukune finally joined them.
"Sorry, Tsukune. I promised the twins that Moka would handle that."
"Um… I don't want to steal his idea."
"It's not stealing, Moka. Tsukune is more than welcome to assist you, but the twins insisted that you should be the one to do their article."
"But why?"
Hajihachi sighed.
"They're strange girls. They want to do a summons on the rooftop. Thursday at the stroke of midnight."
"Midnight? That's going to be hard on Moka."
"Maybe with a lot of coffee I could managed."
"You would be so wiped out the next day."
"I concur. Have them compromise for ten. I'll even grace them with my presence."
"I guess that's fine. The auto club requested you."
Yukari paused at his announcement.
"What?"
"Auto club. A club that makes and drives vehicles."
"I know what an auto club is."
"The gnomes admire you. They specifically asked that you cover their club."
Yukari puffed up with pride at his remark.
"Of course they would. I'm a genius."
"Excellent. I have no idea when they want you, so you'll have to ask them."
"We can ask Ms. Anko in our gym class tomorrow."
"I have four other clubs so some of you will have to take on two. The first is for the Sadou club. Ms. Odayakana insisted on Kurumu handling them but I'm hoping one of you other girls could write it."
"I could do that one. I'm familiar with Ms. Meirowasa and Ms. Sawayaka."
Moka smiled at Tora.
"Why don't we all do it?"
"Whatever you girls decide on is fine by me. I do have three other clubs here. The next is the Astronomy club. Miya says there is an annual solar eclipse coming up next week. I understand her cousin lives on your floor so I was hoping you could tackle this one, Tsukune."
Zanzou Miya was another second year from class two. The shade was an odd girl whom desired to be manly. She admired Ginei as an example of the manliness she wished to achieve. This peculiar rich girl was the reason why Ginei owned several nice, fancy shirts. None of Ginei's admirers had regarded her as a threat since she appeared to have no interest in men.
"I guess I can do that. I'll ask Mr. Kokutan about it tonight."
"Good. We also have a request from Ms. Bakudai that we do an article on the library and her club. She would prefer someone other than Moka or Tsukune."
Tora sighed heavily at the mention of the school librarian.
"I'll take that one too. Was there a reason why the others were refused?"
"You might be unaware of this, but Ms. Bakudai is also a monstrel. She doesn't want us to make Ms. Dokugo uncomfortable."
Dokugo Azuki was the senior of the Literature club which served as librarians. She had written several fake articles for a fake paper meant to disparage the newspaper club. While the local monstrel girl had apologized for her role in the paper, Kurumu could see why the librarian was cautious.
"So what's the last club?"
"The last one is the Ikebana club."
"I'll do that one."
Kurumu blinked at Kana's offer.
"You will?"
"It's flower arranging. I'm curious whom all would be in that club."
"It's probably full of dryads or sprites."
"Exactly. I want to meet more of my kind. I didn't do that at all the last term."
"Juri is a sprite. I have a free lunch tomorrow. You could join us in the second year class five."
"Cool. But I still want to do the article."
"If that's what you-"
"Hey! I have amazing news!"
Kokoa sprinted through the open door coming to an amazing dead stop beside Sangi. The brunette flinched as Kokoa panted with rosy cheeks.
"What are you doing here?"
"Don't you have fencing club?"
"Wait! Ms. Shuzen!"
Rubi came bounded through the door, panting. The older witch doubled over, gripping her knees.
"You shouldn't… run… in the hall."
"So… you chased after her."
"That doesn't matter. I was wondering about that Huang guy since he bragged about pretending to be a commoner. So I talked to his sister and I found out that he's not a common Huang. He's the Huang. As in the Huang family. The one Mother works with."
Moka's eyes widened.
"You don't mean-"
"He's Chinese mafia."
"I don't care what he is. There's no way I'm marrying him."
Ginei frowned at Tsukune's declaration.
"Clearly I've missed something."
"Allow me to explain."
Kurumu shivered at the haughty voice. Huang strolled through the open front door. He placed his hands on his sides as he walked over to them with a smug look.
"My proposition is for Tsukune to become part of my family. You would not have to worry about your future. You would have a job for life. And most importantly."
He paused to thrust a finger at them.
"The Huang Family doesn't bow down to human laws. You can marry as many of these fine specimens as you please."
Kurumu's mind tumbled over that declaration as Tsukune started spouting gibberish. She glanced at Mizore whom offered a shrug. She glanced at Yukari whom rolled her eyes and shook her head.
"Okay, hold up, kid."
Tora slipped around Moka and Kana to stand before this foreigner.
"You do realize that Tsukune is a native Japanese man."
"Of course."
"He was raised with the concept of one man, one woman. That's not going to change."
"Silly woman. You truly don't understand men at all. If you surround any normal man with beautiful women, it is only natural that he will partake of all the bounty offered to him."
"Well… it would be hard to resist…"
Ginei flinched when Sangi smacked his shoulder with the back of her hand.
"These are my friends."
Tsukune took in a deep breath.
"They are not objects to me."
Kurumu hopped off the desk. She stepped around Mizore and scooted over to the next aisle to stand beside Tora.
"There. You heard him. I think it's time for you to leave. Nobody is interested in Tsukune becoming a member of your gang."
Huang laughed with smug confidence.
"Don't pretend like I don't see the truth here. You tricked the whole school into thinking you were his only girlfriend when it is obvious that he has a whole harem."
Kurumu blinked.
"We're a harem."
"Don't agree with him!"
Kurumu shook her head at Tora's sharp reprimand.
"Sorry. I'm confused."
"We're his friends."
Kurumu felt her heart sink at Moka's declaration.
"Yea… friends."
"Wife."
Yukari snorted at Mizore's random remark.
"Don't you mean concubine?"
"Toy."
Everyone glanced in shock at Rubi whom had bowed her head and blushed brightly.
"Ha! I knew I was right!"
"Don't believe everything you hear!"
Huang gestured grandly at Tsukune.
"Come now, Mr. Aono. There's no reason to deny your manliness which has won over the hearts of all these maidens. Join my family and they can all be yours."
"Technically as a vampire, he can do that without joining your stupid family."
Kokoa huffed at Yukari's observation.
"As if. That weakling can't beat a vampire. Mother would never acknowledge him having a bunch of mistresses without a true vampire wife."
"That isn't helping!"
"I see. So he is training to become strong enough to defeat one of the lovely ladies of the Shuzen Estate. You truly are a man among men."
Kana giggled, shaking her head.
"This guy is too much."
"I'm unsure why he has jumped to the conclusion that Tsukune is this prime specimen of manliness."
Sangi smirked at Ginei.
"Jealous?"
"Confused."
"But it's obvious!"
Huang made another sweeping gesture with a wide grin.
"You have written the articles that prove his worth. Taking down the foes that plagued the school. Annihilating the rogue Fairy Tale faction in Okinawa. All was done by Mr. Aono."
"How could you read those articles and come to that conclusion?"
"It's obvious. The women never lie."
Kurumu frowned, exchanging a glance with Tora.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Are you saying because Tsukune has more female admirers, he's responsible?"
"Precisely."
"You know… I'm going to let this roll without me interfering. I'll take my one, special girl with me and leave the rest of these ladies in his manly care."
Sangi snickered as Ginei started off for the door, tugging on Hajihachi's wrist.
"Is someone's feelings hurt?"
"Of course not. Real men don't have feelings."
Ginei left the room with Hajihachi in tow. An amused Sangi followed on their heels.
"Now then. I require your answer, Mr. Aono."
"Is everyone cool if I get out of here?"
Kurumu coughed up a laugh. She glanced back at Kana and nodded.
"Sure. I'm actually surprised Yukari hasn't cast a spell on him."
"I put a sleep spell on him earlier but I guess he woke up."
"Treacherous girl. I missed two class periods because of that."
Yukari shrugged indifferently as Kana quietly skulked her way out of the room.
"Look. Huang. Is there any good reason for him to join the mafia? And don't spout polygamy nonsense. Yukari's right. Vampires can do that."
"Very well. Unlike the Shuzen Estate, the Huang Family is worldwide."
"Worldwide?"
"He's right. The Huang Family have offices in several nations across the world. Mother wishes they would build one in Japan so she wouldn't have to travel all the time. Overseas passports are such a pain."
"How about it, Mr. Aono? I'm offering you the freedom of the whole world."
"I'm not joining the mafia."
Huang scowled. He struck his chest and held his right hand up high, holding a charm.
"Fine! You leave me no choice but to challenge you to duel! If I win, you must join the Huang Family."
"I just told you I wasn't interested!"
"Silence! Duels are the way men settle things!"
Kokoa grinned ferociously, pounding her fist into her palm
"That's right. Kick this girly boy's ass, Aono!"
"There's no reason to resort to violence!"
"Winner takes all."
Huang swung down his hand and a bunch of coins tumbled out of his sleeve to slide across his palm.
"Come on, Aono. If you lose, you have to give up on my sister and remove her seal for good."
"Tsukune's my blood claim. You can't make stipulations like that!"
"I might not be able to win a brawl with a vampire, but I don't have to."
Huang brought his hands together and drew them apart. The coins cackled with energy as they took the shape of a sword with the charm slipped across the center.
"Wait. A coin sword?! And that chant!"
Kurumu grabbed Tora by the shoulder and hopped back from the crazy foreigner.
"Should we be worried?"
"It's a summoning spell."
Huang grinned as energy cackled down the length of his coined blade.
"That is correct, Ms. Sendou. As the heir to the Huang Family, I have been granted the ability to summon as many allies to our cause as I see fit."
Mizore cocked her head.
"Wasn't this supposed to be a one on one fight?"
A third eye opened in the center of Huang's forehead.
"I am Yasha. Master of a hundred beasts."
Kurumu yanked Tora down with her as the room exploded in a surge of power. A roar echoed above them as something serpentine slithered into existence. Holding an arm over Tora, Kurumu glanced up as Huang hopped on top of a green scaled beast which sailed out of the classroom.
Kurumu shook her head in disbelief. She stood back up, noting all of the windows and the wall had been entirely decimated. Moka had hold of her sister whom had a maniacal grin on her face. Rubi was looking about, bewildered. Yukari hopped to her feet, shaking her head angrily.
"That fool summoned a beast too big for the classroom."
Mizore picked herself off the floor.
"Where's Tsukune?"
"Rubi! Aerial Support!"
Both witches clapped their hands and went through a quick series of gestures. In unison, both girls sprouted six wings lined with black feathers.
"I'll go get a teacher."
Kurumu nodded dumbly as Tora hurried out of the room.
"Get that girly boy, Aono! Make him your Shuichi!"
"What's a Shuichi?"
Before Kurumu could answer Mizore's confusion, both witches zipped out of the room with their magic wings. Snapping out of her shock, Kurumu tugged her sweater vest up over her head.
"This looks like fun!"
"Kokoa, wait!"
But the crazy vampire bolted for the opening and hopped outside. Moka hesitated for only a moment before giving chase.
"Is that a dragon?"
Kurumu had no clue what that serpentine flying thing was but it did look like a Chinese dragon. Slinging her sweater aside, she starting unbuttoning her blouse.
"Is this the time to start undressing?"
Kurumu blushed at Mizore's remark. Shaking her head, she hurried with her task.
"I can't ruin more blouses!"
"I'm surprised you're taking the time to do that."
Kurumu growled with annoyance. She knew Tsukune's life might be in danger right now. That dragon was trying to kill him, making a wreck of the school grounds as he scurried about, desperately evading its attacks. She slung her blouse aside, letting her chiropteran wings slice out.
"I don't see you running out there to help."
"I'm scared of heights."
"Then allow me to scare you."
Kurumu pumped her wings, launching across the room. She grabbed Mizore from behind, slipping her arms beneath the girl's shoulders before pumping her wings another time to shoot them out. Mizore stiffened in her grasp with a slight squeak of terror.
Smirking at her petty revenge, Kurumu frowned with the sudden realization that the dragon was gone. She glanced about wildly, not seeing Tsukune or either of the witches. Kokoa was beating the stuffing out of Huang and Moka was trying to pull her wild sister off of him.
"Please! Put me down!"
Kurumu chuckled, banking about the one sided brawl. She whipped her feet down with a twist of her wings. Angling her wings up, she dropped down the last meter to hit the ground firmly. Letting go of the trembling snow girl, she hopped over to the mauling.
"Let me at him! I'll show him the true might of a vampire!"
"He's barely conscious, Kokoa. Leave him be."
"What happened?"
Moka smiled apologetically, doing her best to restrain her sister.
"Yukari dispelled the dragon. Mr. Huang was about to summon another beast when Kokoa happened."
"It's his fault. In a fight you must be aware of your surroundings."
"What would Mother say if you killed the heir to the Huang family?"
"She'd understand that weaklings shouldn't be in charge of the Huang Family. I telegraphed that first kick. Any fool could have dodged that."
"He was casting a spell, Kokoa. That requires concentration."
Kurumu nodded, glancing about for signs of Tsukune and the witches.
"So… what happened to Tsukune?"
"I can't say for sure, but I think he's with Yukari. He should be safe."
Kurumu sighed as Mizore staggered over to them. The snow girl gestured at the twitching foreigner.
"He looks like he's on death's doorstep."
Kokoa had done quite the number on him in such a short amount of time.
"I'll say. He'll need to put ice on that."
Mizore nodded, snapping her finger. In an instant, the boy was frozen in a block of ice. Kurumu laughed, shaking her head.
"I didn't mean it literally."